09/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2024 09:45
Motorists Urged to Share Road with Farm Equipment in Rural Areas
(September 12, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Farm Bureau, is reminding motorists to share the road with large farm equipment as the fall harvest season is beginning in the state."As the days get shorter and farmers across the state begin to harvest their crops, motorists should expect to see large farm equipment along our rural roadways" said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. "Let's all share the road and do our part to keep everyone safe on our roadways."
There are more than 12,500 working farms across Maryland, and farmers use large, slow moving farm equipment, including combines during the harvest period, which extends September through November. Since 2020, there have been 185 crashes, including three fatalities, involving farm equipment on Maryland roads.
Harvest image courtesy of the Maryland Department of Agriculture
Tips for drivers
When encountering farm equipment along the road, do not assume the farmer can immediately move aside. If safe, the farmer may pull over to allow drivers to pass. However, road shoulders may be soft, wet or steep, and this can cause a farm vehicle to tip over, or the shoulder may be unable to support a heavy farm vehicle.
In addition to leaving more time for your travels, the following tips will help ensure the safety of motorists, passengers and operators of slow-moving farm equipment:
For more information about agriculture in Maryland, visit mda.maryland.govor https://mdfarmbureau.com. For information on Maryland roadways, visit roads.maryland.gov.